Lawyers Collective welcomes the decision of the executive committee of the Bar Association to appoint a standing committee of the Bar Association on Rule of Law under the chairmanship of Senior Attorney at Law Lal Wijenayake to monitor the breaches of Rule of Law, to enable the Bar Association to go into such cases and take appropriate action to see that Rule of Law prevails.
Lal Wijenayaka
We call upon the members of the Bar to monitor breaches of Rule of Law in their areas and to report to the committee on Rule of Law without delay so that effective action can be taken by the Bar Association.
We also call upon the Bar Association to look into the serious recent breaches of Rule of Law that has being reported and to see that those responsible are accountable to such actions as it is our view that such actions which blatantly violate the Rule of Law should not pass unchecked and unchallenged.
We of the Lawyers’ Collective will make all efforts to work closely with the committee and help the committee in this task.
Lawyers’ Collective
mohamed fazly ilyas / April 19, 2013
Mere observations and passing resolutions will not help as in the past. To take bull by the horns or a one in a china store, you will need rapid methods before it destroys your breed and democracy in toto.The peaceful and law abiding citizens will look to those of your kind who voice and judge our concerns… do not give in and lose your oath of allegiance to maintain the law in the name of democracy.
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Migara / April 19, 2013
Bravo ! Finally this shows that there are people concerned of law and order in SL; and that they are doing something
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Chanakyan / April 20, 2013
Swami Vivekananda’s refrain in many of his speeches was “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”. Spoken more than a century ago it is now a worthy credo for every socially minded individual and Association. Sri Lanka’s citizenry faces a formidable challenge and those in the forefront are obliged to steel themselves. Another refrain of the Swami was “muscles of iron and nerves of steel”. These appear to be much in need.
In Pakistan what started as a heroic struggle by the Chief Justice, the Judiciary and the legal luminaries has resulted in a sea change of judicial independence. A massive political change has been effected. With sustained effort a laudable new ethos has come about. A President who imprisoned judges is in turn incarcerated by the judges. This is revolutionary.
Pakistan has become a lodestar for countries fighting for judicial independence. The lawyers braved physical violence and persecution by the Executive. The historic achievement will continue to inspire other nations.
It is now for the legal profession in Sri Lanka together with the well established institutions and reputed Associations to carry on the battle already joined. In the intensifying struggle the dross that exists is sure to burn out. Victory is on the side of justice.
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NAK / April 20, 2013
The pathetic situation of the legal system in this country is mainly due to the sole interest of the lawyers ‘collection’.
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Park / April 20, 2013
Excellent move. I think the Bar Association should document all violations irrespective of who commits them. It can be the President, the Cabinet, Ministers, Opposition leader, armed forces, secretaries of various ministries, ministers… etc etc..
When in the future the environment in Sri Lanka improves all these charges should be investigated in public and those who commit these excesses should be punished.
Well done Bar Association for taking the lead on this.
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Siri / April 21, 2013
Best of luck Lal in your important task; we are depending on people like you.
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Jim Hardy / April 21, 2013
Lawyers practice what you preach dont be NATO (No Action Talk Only ).
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Mahanama / April 22, 2013
Mr.Wijenayake, your sincerity and deep commitment to the task is well noted and appreciated and let us hope that the lawyers collective will prove its worth in making a bold stand to combat threats to the Rule of Law.
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